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Bringing a breath of fresh air to the design of indoor environments

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In London, it would be unusual to complete a journey without encountering some form of action against outdoor air pollution thanks in part to the mayor’s focus on the issue. Now common sites include bus stops that relay data on the local air quality, hybrid buses patrolling the streets, green walls sprouting along the edge of office blocks and citizens using apps to navigate the least polluted route to their destination. Numerous, positive actions are currently occurring across the city that are working together to create a healthier, outdoor urban environment.

Within this category falls the matter of indoor air quality and its associated effects on human health. It is imperative that we understand the relationship between indoor air pollution and health, and how the built environment can have a positive impact.

It is well established that occupants’ health and wellbeing can be severely impacted by poor indoor air quality. Impacts include headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, and can sometimes lead to chronic respiratory problems, allergies, and low levels of productivity.

Yet, this cannot achieve good indoor air quality alone. Although ventilation is an effective mechanism for mitigating exposure to indoor pollutants, efforts need to be made in tackling pollutants at the source.